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If you are like many US homeowners, you will be spending your federal economic stimulus package rebate check on upgrades and improvements to your home.

A recent survey conducted by building products manufacturer, Johns Manville, reveals that landscaping projects top the list of projects homeowners will applying their rebate check.

Curb appeal is very important. Great curb appeal gets potential buyers out of their cars and into your home. Great curb appeal gives you a sense of price in your home. Often, significant improvements can be made for very little money because you can do it yourself.

Start with the basics. If you haven’t kept your yard maintained you may need to start with trimming the grass and edging the walkways. Don’t stop there; continue with removing debris, trimming vegetation away from windows and roofs, cleaning gutters and windows, and power washing any areas that need it.

Make your home inviting. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint, add a new welcome mat, and replace your old porch light, mailbox and street numbers with shiny new ones. Remove any items that make your entry feel cluttered.

Consider New Angles. Instead of having all your plantings along the foundation or property line, consider breaking up the beds into different areas to create a depth of field. A meandering paver block walkway is more interesting that a narrow straight path. Placing an Arbor at the entry to a short yard adds great visual interest and charm.

Create a focal point. Replace plants that don’t flower or having interesting foliage with eye-catching alternatives to give your yard distinction. Potted flowers placed on either side of your door or front steps are a quick and affordable way to add a pop of color to your entry way.

Cover your rear. If your home backs up to a busy street you’ll want to add a fence or natural barrier to mask the sound and make the back yard more of a sanctuary. Consider a water feature to add to the tranquility of the backyard and help to mask traffic sounds.

Upgrade Hardscapes. Improving or adding hardscapes (decks, patios, walls, benches, etc.) will also enhance the value of your home and make spending time outside more enjoyable. Outdoor Kitchens and Koi Ponds are two of the most popular improvements homeowners are making.

After you make the list of improvements you want to review each item carefully. Visit your local library for free use of gardening books to obtain ideals for new plants and check to see if they are suitable for your yard’s light levels and climate.

It is OK to make mistakes. If you decide that a new plant is not quite right, move it. Master Gardeners often joke that it takes three moves to find just the right site for a new plant.

Also, make sure you understand the maintenance that will be needed to keep your upgrades in great shape. This includes proper irrigation of new plantings to sealing concrete paths.

Finally, if you decide to do the work, take it easy and enjoy yourself. You don’t want to become stiff and sore from too much work that you may not be used to.